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La Estacion Pre-School/Kindergarten Project
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| In August of 2001 several families from the area (one of which was from BMPC) went on a family mission trip to Cuernavaca, Mexico. During the visit, one of their experiences was visiting an area called La Estación. La Estación is a squatter settlement located around the railroad station and yards in Cuernavaca. Approximately one thousand squatter families have lived there for over thirty years. The government has usually been tolerant of very poor families squatting because they have no other place to live. However, since the situation within the squatter’s community is unstable the government has been unwilling to provide any permanent schooling within the settlement. The poorest and most backward families tend to not search beyond the settlement for pre-schooling for their younger children. These younger children are often left alone for hours, some tied to their beds, while their parents work or look for work.
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Within this context, a kindergarten was initiated some years ago within the settlement and received assistance for a period of years, which allowed them to build a reasonable building with five possible classrooms. After the funding ended the school fell on hard times and was close to closing. At the time of the family mission trip the school was operating but was seriously under-financed. The school consisted of three classes, one for each of the age groups of 3, 4 and 5 year olds. The parents were required to pay admission fees and provide books and supplies for their children. Many of the poorest families cannot even afford the $5 annual tuition, let alone books and other supplies. Not surprisingly, the school had only about 70 students out of the 1000 families. Obviously, there was a need for opening up one, two or more classes to provide early education for the young children who have very poor learning situations and stimulations. This was not viable without proper funding. All of the visiting families were greatly moved by what they saw and began an effort to increase the funding to the school. After raising some funds through outside sources, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church was approached. And BMPC is now generously supporting the project.
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A rehabilitated classroom
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| Today with the support of BMPC and others the school has added 3 teachers, rehabilitated 3 classrooms and added a kitchen and a bathroom. Additionally the money has been used for general maintenance and didactic supplies. Over 110 children now attend the school daily. Since many of the children do not have proper nutrition a daily breakfast program was added that serves a healthy meal to most of the children. Additional funds were used to teach the mothers about nutrition and to provide them with vocational training. With their newly found sense of empowerment the mothers have begun to organize. This will give them a voice with the local government, enabling them to petition for better sanitation and fresh water for their community.
It is hoped that BMPC will develop an ongoing relationship with the school and the squatter’s community. Beyond financial support there may be an opportunity to lend “hands on” support of the school through works projects and donations of clothing, toys, educational supplies, etc. The contributions of BMPC has helped to transform this school and the community surrounding it. From a small spark, a flame has begun to grow in this squatters community.
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Howard Friend
Watson Kunda and Sons, Inc.
304 Henderson Road
King of Prussia PA 19046
or
Howard E. Friend, Jr., President
Wellspring/Karitas Foundation
698 Spruce Drive
West Chester PA 19382
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